Milan, Italy – The shoemaker Atom displayed digitally printed adhesive from Covestro used in 3D printed shoes at Simac.
Atom used a variation of fused filament fabrication (FFF). Visitors were able to choose 3D printed soles and uppers, and have them individually made into footwear.
Covestro supplied an adhesive melt. The glue can be applied to either the upper or sole, pressure is applied, and they are joined under pressure. This creates a solid and permanent adhesive bond.
Using the adhesive helps Atom remove two process steps, Covestro said. There is no need for drying, and because the adhesive is already molten, there is no need to heat-activate it.
Covestro added that it is making a range of materials and filaments for the FFF process.
Simac Tanning Tech ran in Milan from 20-22 February 2018.
